Rankings & Research

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 ranking is based on its score within the 2013 Affordable Compact SUVs category.
Currently the Toyota RAV4 has a
score of 8.3
out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 23 pieces of research and data elements
using various sources.

Scorecard

Critics' Rating:

7.3

Performance:

7.3

Interior:

7.0

Total Cost of Ownership:

9.0

Safety:

8.4

Reliability:

2013 Toyota RAV4 Review

by Courtney Jones | January 7, 2019

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 has a perfect reliability rating, tons of cargo space, and an impressive list of standard features. However, low-quality cabin materials push this compact SUV to the middle of the class.

Features & Specs

Photos

2013 Toyota RAV4 Overview

Is the 2013 Toyota RAV4 a Good Used Car?

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 is a great compact SUV. There’s plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and it comes with an unusually generous number of standard features, including a rearview camera and a touch-screen display. Dashboard controls for the cabin technology are easy to use. This SUV has good fuel efficiency, agile handling, a placid ride, and an engine with decent power. However, the RAV4’s cabin materials look and feel inferior than those found in competitors.

Why You Can Trust Us

Our used car rankings and reviews are based on our analysis of professional automotive reviews, as well as data like crash test scores, reliability ratings, and ownership expenses. We researched 23 Toyota RAV4 reviews to help you decide if it’s the right used car for you.

The U.S. News Best Cars team has been ranking cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has a combined 75 years of automotive industry experience. To ensure our impartiality, our staff never takes expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside team handles the advertising on our site.

How Much Is the 2013 Toyota RAV4?

Our site has nearly 700 listings for the 2013 Toyota RAV4, with an average list price of $16,700. Prices range from $13,500 to $20,000, depending on the model you choose, as well as its condition, mileage, location, and features.

How Much Does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 Cost to Own?

The 2013 Toyota RAV4’s five-year estimated costs for gas, insurance, maintenance, and repairs come to about $22,645. That’s less than many competitors’.

Is It Better to Buy a Used or New Toyota RAV4?

A 2018 Toyota RAV4 starts at $24,660 for the base model and goes up to $36,400 for the top trim. You could save nearly $8,000 by purchasing a used 2013 RAV4, but you’ll miss out on a lot of significant updates. The 2018 model comes with Toyota Safety Sense. This suite of active safety features includes adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Consider the newer model if you want these features. The 2018 model also comes with Siri Eyes Free and a household-style power outlet, but you can get both of these features with the 2013 model. Additionally, those planning on towing will like that the 2018 model is rated to pull 2,000 pounds more than the 2013 RAV4.

If you’re hoping to find a new compact SUV for the average price of a 2013 RAV4, you’re out of luck. Drop down to the new subcompact SUV class, however, and there are vehicles with price points similar to the most expensive 2013 RAV4. Both the 2018 Mazda CX-3 and the Honda HR-V are highly ranked. They don’t have the RAV4’s space, but they’re worth a look if you aren’t regularly carrying more than two people.

Which Model Year of the Toyota RAV4 Is Best?

The 2013 model marked the beginning of a new RAV4 generation that ends with the 2018 model. Pre-2013 models cost less, but they miss out on the upgrades introduced in 2013. However, the 2012 model has an available V6 engine and a side-hinged rear cargo door.

There were few changes in the 2014 and 2015 models. The 2016 RAV4 was refreshed, and it received improved cabin materials. The 2017 model was the first to come standard with Safety Sense. Both the 2016 and 2017 RAV4 will cost you more, but you’ll get a better vehicle.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Recalls

Which Used Toyota RAV4 Model Is Right for Me?

The 2013 RAV4 is available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited. The Toyota RAV4 LE base model comes with an impressive list of desirable standard features: a six-speaker stereo, a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, a backup camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an auxiliary input jack, and a USB port. That’s more than you get from most rivals’ base models, and it’s plenty of technology to satisfy most shoppers.

Certified Pre-Owned Toyota RAV4 Warranty

Toyota offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles six years old or less. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale’s date. Toyota provides a one-year/12,000-mile limited warranty on all its certified pre-owned vehicles, and it extends the original new-car powertrain warranty to seven years or 100,000 miles. Each CPO Toyota must pass a 160-point inspection. Additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance may be available, so read the Toyota warranty page carefully.

Toyota’s CPO program provides better benefits and services than most competing brands. However, our research shows that Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC offer a few more CPO program perks.

How Safe Is the RAV4?

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and it earned a top rating of Good in four crash tests. However, it got the lowest mark of Poor in small overlap front crash evaluations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2013 RAV4 four stars out of five for overall safety, as well as in frontal and rollover testing. It received five stars in the side crash test.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: 2013 Toyota RAV4 or 2013 Honda CR-V?

The 2013 Honda CR-V is one of the RAV4’s closest competitors and is the better SUV overall. The CR-V features a roomy interior, particularly in the back seats, and it’s cabin has much nicer materials than the RAV4’s. The Honda has sportier handling as well. However, if you’re interested in hauling a lot of cargo, you’ll want the RAV4, which edges the CR-V’s maximum cargo space by a few cubic feet more.

Which Is Better: 2013 Toyota RAV4 or 2013 Hyundai Tucson?

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson and 2013 RAV4 are the only compact SUVs to earn a perfect predicted reliability rating. Each model comes with some compromises, however. The Tucson has better driving dynamics and a lower average price. The RAV4, on the other hand, is roomier and has more standard features.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Performance

How Does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 Drive?

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 176 horsepower, and it has sufficient power for most situations. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is available. There are three drive modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport – that adjust throttle and transmission responsiveness. The RAV4 has quick steering and composure around corners. The base model has a cushy ride, but models with 18-inch wheels ride a bit harsher on rough surfaces.

Does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 Get Good Gas Mileage?

The base Toyota RAV4 returns excellent gas mileage for the class. It gets 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.

2017 Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity

2013 Toyota RAV4 Interior

How Many People Does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 Seat?

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 seats five people in two rows, which both have ample head- and legroom. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel makes it easy to find an ideal driving position. The attractive cabin has a good build quality but features mostly soft plastics. You will also find hard plastics on some surfaces.

How Many Car Seats Fit in the 2013 Toyota RAV4?

There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for securing child safety seats in the rear outboard seats. The rear middle seat has an upper tether anchor.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Features

The 2013 RAV4 comes equipped with a six-speaker stereo, a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, a backup camera, Bluetooth phone, an auxiliary input jack, and a USB port. Available features include dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, a choice of two upgraded sound systems with navigation, and blind spot monitoring. Dashboard controls for audio and climate functions are straightforward.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Dimensions

Toyota RAV4 Cargo Space

The RAV4 has 73.4 cubic feet of overall cargo space and 38.4 cubic feet behind the second row. The side-hinged cargo door in pre-2013 RAV4 models has been replaced with a conventional liftgate, which can make the cargo area easier to access in small parking spaces.